The Liberal Democratic Party has begun working to introduce legislation promoting ecotourism that would boost local economies while preserving the environment.

The move is being initiated by about 10 LDP lawmakers, including Masahito Moriyama, who were newly elected last year as "Koizumi children."

It is the first legislation initiated by the group, which will soon begin procedures within the party to submit the bill to the Diet during the current session.

Under the proposal, a council comprising local municipalities, tour operators and others would set boundaries for an area with limited access to protect the environment and to block unauthorized tour guides.

In 2004, the Environment Ministry selected 13 areas for implementing a model project promoting ecotourism, including the Shiretoko region of Hokkaido.

There have been rising concerns, however, that increasing the number of visitors damages the environment and that some tour guides charge hefty fees.

The lawmakers aim to address such concerns through the legislation.

According to an outline of the proposed legislation, regions planning to introduce ecotourism would first set up a council comprising local municipalities, tour operators, nonprofit organizations and other relevant parties.

The council would then draft an overall plan defining the area to be protected and how operations there would be conducted. If the plan is approved by the Environmental Ministry and other authorities, the council would have the power to limit access.